Friday, April 17, 2009

The tribute at home plate in Baseball has only been done twice. Once with Babe Ruth, and once with Jack Buck in St. Louis. Well this weekend it will be done a third time with legendary Phils' announcer, Harry Kalas' casket being displayed at Citizens Park Field. From ESPN via SbB....

The casket containing the body of Hall of Fame Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas will be on view beginning at 8:45 a.m. ET Saturday at home plate at Citizens Bank Park.

Fans will be able to file past Kalas' casket and pay their respects for about four hours, after which there will be a memorial service.

Kalas died Monday after collapsing in the broadcast booth before the Phillies' 9-8 victory over the Washington Nationals. He was 73.

It will be the second time a baseball figure will be honored this way at a major league ballpark since Aug. 17, 1948, when Babe Ruth's casket was on view at Yankee Stadium.

The Phillies organization, which decided to honor Kalas in this historic way, will fly the team's flag at half-staff. Gates will open at 8 a.m. ET.

Just an amazing gesture for a man that defined an entire city. Everyone should stop by and pay their respects to a great individual and broadcaster. Good on ya, Phillies.